Choosing a wine from an extensive list at an upscale restaurant can seem daunting and may even induce a bit of stress. Here are some frequent pitfalls to steer clear of while selecting your wine, as advised by a sommelier.

Total Wine & More, the nation’s largest independent wine retailer, launched its inaugural store in Nebraska on Friday, pledging a vast range of selections and competitive prices.

The new location quietly opened its doors in the space that was once Bed Bath & Beyond at Shoppes at Aksarben Village, with a grand opening celebration slated for November 7.

<p.The retailer claims to offer an impressive collection of 8,000 different wines in a typical store, and this particular outlet has debuted in Omaha’s Shoppes at Aksarben Village, situated at 1220 S. 71st St., within the building that previously housed Bed Bath & Beyond.

The shop offers a variety of beverages including wine, spirits, beer, cigars, and various accessories.

Robert Hammack Sr., a native of St. Paul, Nebraska, who attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the early 1980s, holds the position of chief stores officer for the national chain.

He manages the everyday operations of all Total Wine & More locations — totaling 273 stores across 29 states, Nebraska included — and directs the team responsible for establishing new stores.

“I’ve always believed that we needed a store in Nebraska, and fortunately, a great location became available close to 72nd Street,” Hammack remarked.

He has dedicated seven years to the company.

The store launched quietly, but a grand celebration is scheduled for November 7.

According to Robert Hammack Sr., the chief stores officer at Total Wine, the Omaha location spans 32,000 square feet and will feature an impressive selection of over 8,000 wines, 5,000 spirits, and 2,500 beers.

Nationwide, the company’s large stores have occasionally faced resistance when they move into new markets, as local retailers express concern that the competition may adversely impact their profits.

Nebraska is home to several large retailers offering a variety of wine and spirits, including well-known names like Costco and Hy-Vee’s Wall-to-Wall Wine and Spirits locations in Omaha, Papillion, and Lincoln.

Additionally, other notable stores such as Wine, Beer and Spirits can be found in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Fremont, alongside Spirit World situated at 67th and Center Streets.

A professor from New York University highlighted in an interview with The World-Herald last week that having large retailers can ultimately benefit consumers.

Karl Storchmann, an expert in wine economics, noted that Total Wine & More stands as the largest wine retail chain across the United States.

The inventory available at the Omaha Total Wine location boasts a wide variety of regional craft beers.

“Their selection and pricing are unmatched,” Storchmann commented. “This means that consumers will benefit in two ways: affordable prices and access to hard-to-find wines will increase consumer surplus.”

He also highlighted that the introduction of a large store could disrupt any local monopolies that may currently dominate the market.

“They will need to be creative, both in pricing strategies and wine variety, to remain competitive,” he explained. “All of this is positive from an economist’s point of view.”

According to Alyssa Brodersen, who is the executive director of the Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association, winemakers from Nebraska are finding potential in the new large retail outlet.

On Thursday, Coe Emmett, the assistant manager of the recently opened Total Wine & More store in Omaha, was seen examining the prices on various wine bottles.

The goal of the association is to advance and promote the Nebraska wine and grape sector. Its members vary from small-scale vineyards to extensive winemaking enterprises.

“The company has demonstrated commendable initiative by reaching out to Nebraska wineries and has already included a number of Nebraska wines in its inventory,” stated Brodersen.

She mentioned that this partnership will give wine lovers another accessible spot to explore and buy locally produced Nebraska wines.

With the emergence of this new rival, current retailers might need to enhance their offerings, according to Matt Yaeger, a second-generation proprietor of Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, a family-run wine shop located in Brighton, New York.

He noted that last year, local shops successfully opposed a legislation that would have permitted wine sales in grocery stores across New York. In Nebraska, however, grocery stores are already authorized to sell wine.

Due to their scale and purchasing leverage, larger wine retailers can secure better pricing from suppliers, he pointed out.

Yaeger emphasized that smaller retailers have the potential to thrive, but it may require them to adapt and put in extra effort.

“As a retailer, it is crucial now more than ever to prioritize your customers,” he noted. “Pay close attention to their preferences and ensure they feel valued. By doing this, you will find success.”

He also mentioned that some retailers might need to lessen their reliance on national brands and instead offer a diverse selection of engaging and flavorful wines at various price ranges sourced from around the globe.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of building strong ties with the community through events, seminars, tastings, and educational opportunities for customers.

Hammack mentioned that Total Wine & More stores prioritize three main aspects: affordability, customer service, and variety.

He explained that the employees recruited to join the team receive extensive training to deepen their knowledge of wines and to provide support to customers.

Given the store’s expansive layout of 32,279 square feet and its extensive inventory, this is no easy feat.

“We carry more than 8,000 wines, 5,000 spirits, and around 2,500 beers,” he remarked.

Total Wine offers a diverse selection of wine, spirits, beer, cigars, chips, and snacks. The store is anticipated to feature more than 400 products sourced from local producers.

Additionally, to bring a touch of local charm, they will include over 400 items from nearby suppliers, encompassing wines, spirits, craft beers, chips, and snacks.

Hammack, now residing in Bethesda, Maryland, mentioned that he plans to return to Nebraska for the official grand opening.

“I will dedicate two full days to being present in the store,” he expressed. “Ideally, you won’t be able to distinguish me from a team member, as that’s my goal.”

The store operates from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Total Wine & More in Omaha will feature a special event.

As you walk into Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024, you’ll notice a prominent Jack Daniel’s display welcoming you.

Coe Emmett, the assistant manager, is busy checking prices on bottles at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, wine bottles are neatly arranged at Total Wine & More in Omaha.

The interior of Total Wine & More in Omaha showcases its inviting atmosphere on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Shelves displaying an assortment of Nebraska craft beers can be found at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

A collection of spirits sits prominently at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Cigars are arranged neatly at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Egg nog is showcased alongside the holiday items at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Visit Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

joe.dejka@owh.com, 402-444-1077

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